Exercise apparatus and apparel

ABSTRACT

The invention provides an exercise apparatus containing a compressible member, which provides physical instability and improves core muscle development in an exercising person. In addition, the invention provides an article of clothing containing a compressible member or material which provides physical instability to a person performing active or passive exercise.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of, and claims benefit of the filingdate of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/226,161, filed Oct. 9,2008, which is the U.S. national stage filing under 35 U.S.C. §371 ofInternational Application No. PCT/US2007/008664, filed Apr. 9, 2007,which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.60/790,964, filed Apr. 11, 2006. Each of these applications is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of physical exercise and,particularly, to a compressible cushion attached or fitted to a seat orbench of an exercise apparatus and an article of clothing, both of whichprovide physical instability to an exercising person.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Individuals interested in strength training typically use exerciseequipment such as plate-loaded or weight-stack machines, multi-stationmachines, circuit-training machines, or flat, upright, inclined, ordeclined benches. The purpose of strength training using machines is theexercise of individual muscle groups. Proper form and focus areimportant in isolating the appropriate muscle groups and preventinginjury. However, if an exercising person primarily concentrates onstrength training for overall personal fitness through standard weightlifting, exercise of the core muscles, such as the back and abdominalmuscles, is often overlooked. Strong core muscles provide increasedprotection and bracing for the back, controlled movements, a more stablecenter of gravity, and a more stable platform for sports movements.Thus, this invention would help to prevent injury as well as improveoverall personal fitness by requiring heightened muscle control andimproved balance of the exercising person.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides an exercise apparatusfeaturing a support member, for support of a portion of the upper and/orlower body, fitted with a compressible member, and a means for providingstrength-enhancing physical resistance when the exercise apparatus is inuse. The support member can be oriented in such a way as to provide forexercise in a flat, upright, inclined, or declined position. Thecompressible member fitted to the support member causes physicalinstability of the exercising person and requires simultaneous use ofcore muscles to maintain balance and proper form.

In one embodiment of the invention, the exercise apparatus includes asupport member and compressible member wherein the instability caused bythe compressible member requires continuous adjustment of the abdominalmuscles and forces improved muscular control and concentrated muscularcontraction. In another desirable embodiment, the exercise apparatusincludes a support member and compressible member wherein theinstability caused by the compressible member requires continuousadjustment of the back muscles.

In one embodiment, the exercise apparatus includes support members forboth the back torso and buttocks. In another desirable embodiment, theexercise apparatus includes a support member for the front torso (chest)and buttocks. In yet another desirable embodiment, the exerciseapparatus includes a support member for the lower body or buttocks. Inyet another desirable embodiment, the exercise apparatus includes asupport member for the upper body or back.

In different embodiments of the invention, the exercise apparatus is anexercise machine dedicated to a press exercise or seated rowingexercise, a lat machine, a strength-training machine, a weight-stackmachine, a multi-station machine, a circuit-training machine,cardiovascular equipment, or a bench.

The present invention provides for a compressible member which isconstructed such that, when the apparatus is in use during exercise, thecompressible member causes physical instability of the exercising personduring performance of the resistance-based exercise and requiressimultaneous use of core muscles to maintain balance and proper form.

The compressible member of the invention consists of a durable exteriorshell with an interior containing a liquid, gel or gas, e.g. air, orcombinations thereof. In one desirable embodiment, the volume and/orpressure inside the compressible member containing a liquid, gel or gasmay be changed to allow for varying levels of stability while performingexercises. In another desirable embodiment, the compressible member isavailable, or packaged for sale, as one or more pads with differentdegrees of thickness and/or compressibility. The compressible member mayreplace support members or may be placed over existing support members.

The invention further features a method of enhancing exercise on anexercise apparatus by utilizing a compressible member to overlie asupport member, wherein the instability caused by the compressiblemember requires continuous adjustment of the abdominal muscles by theexercising person during performance of the resistance-based exercise.In different embodiments of the method, the exercise apparatus is apress exercise or seating rowing exercise, a lat machine, astrength-training machine, a plate-loaded machine, a weight-stackmachine, a multi-station machine, a circuit-training machine,cardiovascular equipment, or a bench.

In another aspect, the invention provides an article of clothingincluding a compressible member, wherein the compressible member ispositioned to contact a portion of the torso and/or buttocks of aperson, when the person is using strength-enhancing physical resistanceequipment, wherein the compressible member causes physical instabilitythat requires continuous adjustment of the person's core muscles.

A preferred article of clothing is a vest featuring a compressiblemember, which covers the upper (front, back or sides) and/or lower body(lower back and buttocks), fitted with a compressible material as ameans for providing strength enhancing physical resistance when wearingthe vest. The compressible member(s) in the clothing (e.g., vest) willbe oriented in such a way as to 1) provide for exercise in a flat,upright, inclined, declined, seated upright or prone position, and/or 2)exercise specific muscle groups including: abdominal/core muscles; backand side muscles; back muscles; back and torso muscles; chest andbuttock muscles; or upper body and back muscles.

In one embodiment, the rigidity of the compressible member(s) can bemanually adjusted or programmed to change during the exercise to alterthe level of instability during exercise. In a related embodiment, thecompressible member(s) can be physically rearranged or programmed toprovide instability to different locations in the clothing, which allowsexercise of different muscle groups.

In another embodiment, the clothing contains a compressible member whichcontains a semi-rigid plastic material. In related embodiments, theclothing contains multiple compressible members which can be physicallyrearranged by the individual or by a small motor built into theclothing, to provide instability to different locations in the clothing,which allows exercise of different muscle groups.

In another embodiment, the clothing contains a device that providesvarying levels of vibration (i.e., vibration element). These vibrationswill radiate through the clothing and provide another level ofinstability in the presence or absence of additional compressiblemembers. The vibration element can be manually adjusted or programmed toprovide continuous or adjustable instability to a person exercising. Inanother embodiment, the vibration element can be programmed or adjustedto promote destabilization of different muscles during exercise.

The clothing can be made of cloth, cotton, GoreTex®, spandex, or someother material. There can be a number of different compressible memberson the front, back, or sides of the garment and their location rangefrom the neck down to below the buttocks. The clothing can also beprovided in different colors and designs. The individual compressiblemembers of the clothing can also be provided or packaged for sale, withdifferent degrees of rigidity and/or compressibility. The vibrationelement of the clothing can also be provided or packaged for sale toprovide steady or adjustable levels of vibration.

The purpose of strength training is the exercise of individual musclegroups and preventing injury. A disadvantage of focusing on strengthtraining for overall personal fitness is that exercise of the coremuscles, such as the back and abdominal muscles, is often neglected.Strong core muscles provide increased protection and bracing for theback, controlled movements, a more stable center of gravity, and animproved physiognomy for sports movements. The present invention willhelp to prevent both sports-related and occupational injuries, as wellas improve overall fitness by requiring heightened muscle control andimproved balance of the exercising person.

By “support member” is meant conventional pads or seats on fitnessequipment.

By “compressible member” is meant a pad(s) within or attached to a vestor clothing for fitness training. The pad or cushion will have a fittedouter covering or shell that a person can wear, with an interiorcontaining a liquid, gel, gas, e.g. air, or semi-rigid plastic material,or combinations thereof. The pads can be a variety of geometric shapesand sizes depending upon their location in the garment. The pads in thegarment can also be vertical or horizontally sewn or affixed to thefabric. The fabric can be cloth, cotton, GoreTex®, spandex, or someother material. There can be a number of different pads on the front,back, or sides of the garment and their location range from the neckdown to below the buttocks. The pads can also be exchangeable, such thattheir location on the garment can be altered to exercise a particularmuscle group.

The term “compressible member” also includes a pad or seat with a fittedouter covering or shell, and with an interior containing a liquid, gelor gas, e.g. air, or combinations thereof. A compressible member mayreplace support members or may be placed over existing support memberson an exercise apparatus.

By “compressible” is meant capable of being deformed by pressure or theweight of a human body engaged in exercise, i.e., squeezable.

By “exercise apparatus” is meant an exercise machine dedicated to apress exercise or seated rowing exercise, a lat machine,strength-training equipment, both plate-loaded as well as weight-stackmachines, a multi-station machine; a circuit-training machine;cardiovascular equipment such as a rowing machine or bike; or a flat,upright, inclined or declined bench for free weight exercises.

The invention is based on the known physiological fact that exercisingthe body's multitude of core muscles, each of which is located about thethoracic cavity/torso and pelvis area, is an important component ofoverall fitness training. The use of the compressible member would leadto improved neurological, neuromuscular control of all muscles beingtrained and conditioned, particularly the core muscles. A strong coreprovides increased protection and bracing for the back, controlledmovements, a more stable center of gravity, and a more stable platformfor sports movements. When a person has good core stability, the musclesin the pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen work in harmony. A weak corecan make a person susceptible to poor posture, lower back pain, andmuscle injuries. A strong core provides the brace of support needed tohelp prevent such pain and injury, and provides a preventive healthinitiative.

Thus, the present invention also provides a method for enhancingexercise on an exercise apparatus by providing a compressible memberwhich is constructed such that, when the apparatus is in use duringexercise, the compressible member causes physical instability of theexercising person during performance of the resistance-based exerciseand requires simultaneous use of core muscles to maintain balance andproper form.

The invention combines strength training and a good core workout intoone exercise module. The operator, while engaging in exercise on such anapparatus or wearing such an article of clothing, would condition andstabilize core muscles while strengthening individual muscle groups.This combination of strength training and core exercise would lead to animproved strength workout for the exercising person.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus constructed inaccordance with the present invention.

(The Figure was adapted from FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,895, assignedto Precor Inc., hereby incorporated by reference).

FIGS. 2-8 are drawing of different vests of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and notlimitation, specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will beapparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may bepracticed in other embodiments that depart from these specific details.In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known methods anddevices are omitted so as to not obscure the description of the presentinvention with unnecessary detail.

Exercise Apparatus

An exercise apparatus 1 constructed in accordance with the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 1. The exercise apparatus includes twosupport members 3 and 4, for the torso and buttocks respectively, fittedwith a compressible member, and a selectable weight-stack 2 forproviding strength-enhancing upper body physical resistance when theexercise apparatus is in use. Other sources of exercise resistance mayalso be utilized, including individual weight plates, hydraulic,pneumatic, and electromagnetic or friction mechanisms, or even theoperator's own weight. Although, for the sake of clarity, the presentinvention is illustrated as an exercise machine dedicated to a pressexercise, it is to be understood that the invention may also be embodiedas a exercise machine dedicated to seated rowing exercises, a latmachine used for lat pull-down or low-row exercises, a plate-loadedmachine; a multi-station machine; a circuit-training machine;cardiovascular equipment such as a rowing machine or bike; or a flat,upright, inclined, or declined bench for free weight exercises.

The apparatus features support members 3 and 4 fitted with acompressible member. The exterior of the compressible member may becomposed of a durable material, such as plastic, synthetic fiber, orsynthetic leather. The compressible member contains a liquid, gel orgas, e.g. air, or combinations thereof. Examples of gels which can beused to fill the compressible member are described in, but not limitedto, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,334,646; 5,994,450; 5,766,704; and 4,744,601;herein incorporated by reference. In one preferred embodiment, thevolume and/or pressure inside the compressible member may be changed toallow for varying levels of stability while performing exercises. Thecompressible member may replace support members or may be temporarily orpermanently placed over existing support members. A removablecompressible member may be affixed to the support member using, but notlimited to, snaps, Velcro®, and/or straps. A compressible member may bepermanently affixed to the support member by way of, but not limited to,sewing and/or gluing the compressible member to the support member.

The operator of the exercise apparatus performs the exercise by pushingboth outwardly and upwardly against the handgrips 5. The compressiblemember fitted to the support members 2 and 3 causes physical instabilityof the exercising person and requires simultaneous use of core muscles,such as the back and abdominal muscles, to maintain balance and properform. As the operator continues to exercise, the workout strengthensboth the primary chest muscle as well as the secondary core muscles.Exercising on an unstable surface allows the operator to condition thebody while improving neuromuscular control and focus during exercise,developing added protection and bracing for the back and spine, andenabling a more stable center of gravity. Strengthening the core musclesprovides the brace of support needed to help prevent future injury andpain. Using the compressible member during exercise would prevent theoperator from using too much weight, which in turn would help theoperator to better execute form and control of all movements vianeuromuscular coordination and proprioception, thus reducing the risk ofinjury.

The compressible member can be available as a fitted covering toexisting fitness equipment, or as a seat or cushion to replace existingfitness equipment. The compressible member would be available in a rangeof colors, sizes, moulds, and range in degrees of thickness andcompressibility. The invention would be sold, but not limited, to healthclubs, physical therapists hospitals, and all fitness equipmentmanufacturers. As an exercise component, the compressible member wouldserve to enhance general fitness, physical conditioning, strengthtraining and/or rehabilitation of the exercising person.

Exercise Clothing

The invention also provides a article of clothing (e.g., a vest), whichcovers the upper (front, back or sides) and/or lower body (lower backand buttocks), fitted with one or more compressible members as a meansfor providing strength enhancing physical resistance when wearing theclothing. The compressible members may be oriented in such a way as topromote the exercise of specific muscle groups including: abdominal/coremuscles; back and side muscles; back muscles; back and torso muscles;chest and buttock muscles; or upper body and back muscles. Specificexamples of clothing of the invention are provided below.

Referring to FIG. 2, vest 6 contains three vertically placed, elongatedcompressible members 7, 8, and 9 on the back surface of the vest.

Referring to FIG. 3, vest 10 has a buckle 11, on the front surface ofthe vest, which allows the vest to be adjusted to fit an individual.

Referring to FIG. 4, vest 12 wraps around an individual, and is closedon the front surface of the vest by a zipper or Velgro® 13.

Referring to FIG. 5, vest 14 contains four vertically placed, circularcompressible members 15, 16, 17, and 18, on the back surface of thevest.

Referring to FIG. 6, vest 19 contains five vertically placed, elongatedcompressible members 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24, on the back surface of thevest.

Referring to FIG. 7, vest 25 contains one vertically placed, serpentinecompressible member 26, on the back surface of the vest.

Referring to FIG. 8, vest 27 contains thirteen horizontally placed,linear compressible members 28-40, on the back surface of the vest.

Fabrics and Composition

The fabric of the clothing can be cloth, cotton, GoreTex®, spandex, orsome other material. The exterior of the compressible members within theclothing will be composed of a durable material, such as plastic,synthetic fiber, or synthetic leather. The compressible member containsa liquid, gel, gas, e.g. air, or semi-rigid plastic material, orcombinations thereof. Examples of gels which can be used to fill thecompressible member are described in, but not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos.5,334,646; 5,994,450; 5,766,704; and 4,744,601; herein incorporated byreference. In another embodiment, the compressible member(s) will berepositioned on the garment by using, but not limited to, snaps,Velcro®, and/or straps. Compressible member(s) may also be permanentlyaffixed to the clothing by way of, but not limited to, sewing and/orimbedding the compressible member(s) or material within the fabric ofthe clothing.

Stability Control

In one embodiment, the volume and/or rigidity of the compressiblemember(s) will be changed to allow for varying levels of stability whileperforming exercise. The changes in stability will be controlledmanually or programmed to exercise a specific muscle group during aparticular activity.

In addition, the compressible members may be programmed or physicallyrearranged to different locations within the clothing, to promotedestabilization of different muscles during an exercise.

The clothing of the invention may include one or more compressiblemembers in the presence or absence of a vibration element (describedbelow).

Vibration Element

The clothing can also contain a component (i.e., vibration element) thatwill produce vibrations in specific locations. The vibration element canbe utilized in the presence or the absence of additional compressionmembers.

The vibration element can be programmed such that the intensity anddistribution of the vibrations can be manually altered or programmed toexercise specific muscle groups. In addition, the vibration element mayprovide pulsating vibration or continuous vibration that may be manuallyadjusted or programmed.

Design and Commercialization

The clothing of the invention will be available in a range of colors,styles, and sizes, and range in the degree of thickness orcompressibility. The clothing can be sold in a variety of embodiments,including placement of the compression members and/or vibration element,such that individual muscle groups will be exercised. In one embodiment,the thickness or compressibility of the compression members can bealtered by the operator or sold individually in varying degrees ofcompressibility. The invention can be sold, but not limited, toindividuals, health clubs, physical therapists, athletic trainers,hospitals, and fitness equipment manufacturers. As a piece of fitnessapparel, the clothing (e.g., a vest) will serve to enhance generalfitness, physical conditioning, strength training and/or rehabilitationof the exercising person.

In addition, individual compressible members for insertion into theclothing of the invention, may be packaged for sale in different levelsof compressibility, colors, shapes, sizes, and geometric designs. Inaddition, different vibration elements to be placed within the clothingof the invention, may be sold separately with different vibrationalintensities, shapes, periodicity (e.g., pulsating versus continuousvibration), or with regulatory control (e.g., to allow adjustableinstability).

Advantages

The invention takes advantage of the known physiological fact thatexercising the body's multitude of core muscles, each of which islocated about the thoracic cavity/torso and pelvis area, is an importantcomponent of overall fitness training. The use of the compressiblemember will lead to improved neurological, neuromuscular control of allmuscles being trained and conditioned, particularly the core muscles. Astrong core provides increased protection and bracing for the back,controlled movements, a more stable platform for sports movements. Whena person has good core stability, the muscles in the pelvis, lower back,hips and abdomen work in harmony. A weak core can make a personsusceptible to poor posture, lower back pain, and muscle injuries. Astrong core provides a preventive health initiative.

Thus, the present invention provides a method for enhancing strengthtraining exercise performed both individually and on athletic equipment;by providing a compressible member which causes instability of theexercising person during the performance of resistance-based exercise.

The invention combines strength training and a good core workout intoone exercise module. The operator, while engaging in various forms ofstrength training exercise, will condition and stabilize core muscleswhile strengthening individual muscle groups. This combination ofstrength training and core exercise will lead to an improved strengthworkout for the exercising person.

It should be recognized that the above invention may be embodied inother specific forms without departing from the spirit or essentialcharacteristics of the disclosure. Thus, it is understood that theinvention is not to be limited by the foregoing illustrative details,but rather is to be defined by the appended claims.

1. An exercise vest comprising a compressible member positioned tocontact a portion of the torso and/or buttocks of a person when saidperson is using strength-enhancing physical resistance equipment,wherein said compressible member causes during exercise, physicalinstability that requires continuous adjustment of said person's coremuscles.
 2. The vest of claim 1, wherein the instability caused by saidvest requires continuous adjustment of one or more of the followingmuscle groups: abdominal/core muscles; back and side muscles (includingoblique, intercostal, and serratus muscles); back muscles; back andtorso muscles; chest and buttock muscles; or upper body and backmuscles.
 3. The vest of claim 1, wherein the rigidity or resistance ofsaid compressible members can be manually adjusted or programmed tochange during the exercise.
 4. The vest of claim 2, wherein the rigidityor resistance of said compressible members can be manually adjusted orprogrammed to change during the exercise.
 5. The vest of claim 1,wherein said the vest includes multiple compressible members which canbe physically rearranged or programmed to provide instability todifferent locations in said vest, which allows exercise of differentmuscle groups.
 6. The vest of claim 1, wherein said compressible membercomprises a semi-rigid plastic material.
 7. The vest of claim 6, whereinthe vest includes multiple compressible members which can be physicallyrearranged by the individual or by a small motor built into the vest, toprovide instability to different locations in the vest, which allowsexercise of different muscle groups.
 8. The vest of claim 1, furthercomprising a vibration element to allow continuous or adjustableinstability to a person exercising.
 9. The vest of claim 8, wherein saidvibration element can be programmed or adjusted to promotedestabilization of different muscles during exercise.
 10. The vest ofclaim 1, wherein said compressible member is available, or packaged forsale, with different degrees of thickness and/or compressibility. 11.The vest of claim 6, wherein said compressible member is available, orpackaged for sale, with different degrees of rigidity and/orcompressibility.
 12. The vest of claim 8, wherein said vibration elementis available, or packaged for sale, to provide continuous or adjustablelevels of vibration.
 13. An article of clothing comprising acompressible member positioned to contact a portion of the torso and/orbuttocks of a person when said person is using strength-enhancingphysical resistance equipment, wherein said compressible member causesduring exercise, physical instability that requires continuousadjustment of said person's abdominal muscles.
 14. The clothing of claim13, wherein said compressible member comprises a semi-rigid plasticmaterial.
 15. The clothing of claim 13, further comprising a vibrationelement, said vibration element such that, when said clothing is wornduring exercise, said vibration element causes physical instability thatrequires continuous adjustment of muscles by the person.